Wigan St Judes ARLFC opened their Challenge Cup campaign with a determined 17–12 victory over Leigh Miners Rangers, showcasing grit, teamwork, and clutch moments that defined the contest.

First Half
The opening forty minutes were a tense battle, with both sides locked in a physical arm-wrestle. Judes edged ahead 6–4 at the break, thanks to a well-executed try and disciplined defence that kept the Miners from gaining momentum.

Second Half Surge
Judes found their rhythm after the break, adding 11 crucial points to seal the win. Tries from Danny Fallon, Josh Hill, and Brogan Turner gave the scoreboard momentum, while Dec Parkinson and Adam Holt added conversions. Parkinson also nailed a composed drop goal to stretch the lead in a tense finish.

Game Breaker Moment
With Judes leading 16–10 and the game hanging in the balance, Reece Macnally produced a match-defining effort—chasing down a Miners interception to prevent a certain try. Just five minutes later, Judes’ stand-off calmly slotted a drop goal with ten minutes remaining, nudging the score to 17–10 and closing out the contest.

Defensive Wall
Kenzie Davies and Danny Fallon led the tackle count with 29 each, anchoring a defensive unit that refused to yield. Dec O’Donnell (25), Dec Parkinson (22), Dave Fagan (22), Reece Macnally (21), and Joey Brady (20) all contributed to a relentless defensive effort.

Meters Gained & MOM
Joey Brady was electric across the park, racking up 145 meters and earning the Man of the Match honour. James Worthington (130m), Elliot Garrido (105m), and Reece Macnally (100m) also made serious ground, driving Judes forward with every carry.

Next Up: Barrow Raiders
With Round 1 in the books, Wigan St Judes now prepare to face professional opposition in the form of Barrow Raiders—a massive opportunity to test themselves against top-tier talent and continue their Challenge Cup journey.

Make a Difference • Be the Difference • Going Forward.